Angels amongst us

For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. (Psalm 91:11 (AMP))

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

The death of those of whom I know personally, makes me think of all the good that they did and not received any accolades for them.

I know that the Bible says that we should not puff ourselves up, but that does not mean that we should not lift up others, as a matter of fact we should esteem others more than we do ourselves; “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 ESV

As I attended the funeral of a friend this past weekend and received the news that two other people that I knew well had transitioned, my heart was heavy.

On one side of the issue was knowing that neither of those who had gone home to glory was suffering anymore; all three had fought battles with extensive illnesses.

Another common denominator that they all shared was their love for their fellow man/woman.

Each one was known to be servants in their communities and they never once complained about their illness.

They fought their fight with courage, humility and faith.

I find myself struggling with words to describe those who have come into this world and made a profound impact, but I did not tell them so.

I did not reach out my arm to them enough to give support-I may have criticized in my own judgmental way and when the notice of their death reached my ears that message reached my heart as if I was getting a blood transfusion. All my veins and arteries were full; I felt like I was a body builder with bulging muscles that were choking me.

Muscles that were now useless in helping to lift their burdens.

Their work is now done on earth. Mine is yet to be completed.

At the eulogy of one of those precious lives, the preacher equated her transitioning with playing basketball. She had posted herself down in the paint, bended her knees and made ready to receive the ball. After she was ready she waived her hands for the ball. The ball was delivered and she so gracefully scored by finger rolling it into the hoop.

If you know anything about team sports you know that you don’t play them by yourself; such is life, you don’t play it alone.

While we are on this sojourn called life, we will be afforded many opportunities to interact with others either by helping or hurting.

While we may not know those of whom we find ourselves in the company of, we should use whatever muscles we have to give assistance to, speak words of encouragement to them and offer prayer for them, because you may not know you could be entertaining an angel.

“Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it. “Hebrews 13:2 (AMP)

“If I can help somebody, as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,

If I can show somebody, how they’re travelling wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain.”